Nicotine's Effects on Eye Movements in E-Cigarette Users

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study examines the immediate and short-term effects of nicotine delivered via a 5% nicotine pod on oculomotor function in daily e-cigarette users. Participants complete two lab visits with a standardized smoking-related puffing protocol and eye movement testing, plus blood sampling, to assess reliability of eye movement biomarkers and their relation to withdrawal relief and reinforcing value. Eligible participants are adults aged 21–50 who have used nicotine-containing e-cigarettes for at least six months and can abstain from nicotine before visits. The study emphasizes controlled nicotine exposure and standardized measurements to understand how nicotine alters eye-tracking metrics and how these relate to behavior and withdrawal. The trial is conducted at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center under an institutional lead sponsor.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 21-50 years
* Daily use of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes for ≥ 6 months
* Ability to abstain from nicotine for at least 12 hours prior to study visits
* Fluent in English
* Willingness to complete two in-person laboratory visits and all study procedures
* Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of combustible cigarettes or other tobacco/nicotine products on more than 5 of the past 30 days
* Current enrollment in a nicotine cessation program or intent to quit in the next 30 days
* Neurological conditions affecting eye movements (seizure disorder, movement disorders, head injury with loss of consciousness)
* Normal or corrected-to-normal vision required; significant uncorrected visual impairment or ocular conditions affecting eye tracking
* Cardiovascular conditions for which nicotine use is contraindicated, substance use disorder (other than nicotine), or current nicotine cessation treatment
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Current medications affecting pupil size or eye movements (anticholinergics, stimulants, antipsychotics)
* Any condition that, in the investigator's judgment, would interfere with safe participation
* Age younger than 21 years or older than 50 years

Where it's running

• Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
  Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Patrick Tomko, PhD, CSCS — Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Study coordinator: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Email: OSUCCCClinicaltrials@osumc.edu
• Phone: 800-293-5066

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.